Every day, in multiple ways, we are trying to shift our focus and thoughts. They seem to be out of control and wanting to wander to the very thing that brings us the most pain.

We are asked to purposefully dwell on good things and to focus on God. But that means that we have to go against what comes naturally to us – dwelling and remaining fixed on the spouse and certain things they have said or are doing. We try hard to figure out what this means, or that meant.  It’s exhausting!

And many of us continue to do it because it’s natural, easy, and it gives us something. Something we need.

But the Word tells us

 Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. (Phil 4:8 NIV).

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Cor 10:5)

God knows our nature. He knows our hearts tend to lean toward things we believe will provide quick and easy comfort even if the long term side-effects destroy us. We all know that dwelling on the bad stuff makes us bitter, angry and intensifies the hurt. Yet we can’t seem to stop, even to the point that it kills the very thing we are trying to obtain – peace from the storm and truth that eases our fears.

Why is peace in the storm so important? Because it helps with enduring how long this storm will last. Peace helps us endure.

He knows that self brings destruction, impatience, and manipulation. So we must kill it, before it kills us! This is exhausting, but we must push through and daily deny ourselves. 

Learn to pursue good thoughts with purposed intent!

Why? If we truly want to know Jesus more, be like Him, follow and be a disciple, then excess flesh won’t fit through the narrow gate.

Always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death works in us, but life in you. 2 Corinthians 4:10-12

And we can’t stand strong for our lost beloveds when we are walking in self and our feelings and emotions are in an uproar. How can we help them in the spiritual battle when we are allowing our flesh to control us?

The enemy knows this better than anyone. Which is why he tempts you to snoop or sends you messengers to deliver the bad news.  It’s why he gets you to dwell on those actions and prevents you from believing and standing firm on your promise.

God is good! And His motives are good. He would not ask us to do all these horribly hard things if it wasn’t FOR OUR GOOD! So we have to trust Him and be obedient to His Word!

Don’t give up the struggle of denying the flesh, taking thoughts captive, and pursuing Him!

 Standing with you,
Sheila Hollinger


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